2014 NFL Draft Preview: Biggest Winners from the Scouting Combine

2014 NFL Draft Preview: Biggest Winners from the Scouting Combine: Fair or not, NFL executives and scouts place a ton of emphasis on the results a player produces at the NFL Scouting Combine. Yes, a player’s production in college counts for something, but the combine is ultimately the event that solidifies their draft stock and moves them up or down the draft board. This year is no exception, and on the heels of the 2014 Scouting Combine, here is a closer look at a few players that came away winners.

After a season where he dealt with constant criticism about his effort, South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney erased any speculation about his status as a potentially unstoppable pass-rusher by running a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash. Now that he has reminded everyone just how much of a physical beast he is, the only question is whether or not Houston will be able to pass up Clowney with the No. 1 overall pick.

Another player that put himself in the mix for the top pick is Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson. He stands 6’5” and weighs more than 330 pounds, but that didn’t stop him from running a 4.92 in the 40. He also hoisted 32 reps at 225 pounds. In other words, Robinson is not only big and strong, but he is disturbingly athletic for his size. He is making a strong case for being the safest pick in the entire draft class.

He was one of the best pass-rushers in college last year, and Buffalo defensive end Khalil Mack validated his status as a top-10 pick with an impressive all-around display in the combine. He ran a 4.65 in the 40 and a 4.18 in the 20-yard shuttle. He also posted a 40” vertical leap. Mack has the natural athleticism to continue to produce at the next level.

Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald was a defensive force this season, but at just 6’0” and 285 pounds, he is undersized for his position by NFL standards. That being said, Donald helped his stock immensely by running a 4.65 40-yard dash time and putting up 35 reps on the bench press. Now that Donald has shown he has the physical measurables to go with his on-field production, teams should be much more comfortable scooping him up in the first round.

Cornerbacks can definitely make or lose money during the combine, and Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert is essentially a lock to go in the first round and might be the first player at his position picked after measuring in at 6’0” and running a 4.37 in the 40. Scouts already had their eyes on Gilbert as one of the drafts bets cornerback prospects, and after clocking a great time in the 40-yard dash, he cemented his status in a big way.

He was already in the mix to be the top running back off the board, and Washington’s Bishop Sankey knocked the combine out of the park. He weighed in at a solid 209 pounds but still managed to run a 4.49 in the 40. More importantly, he posted the best time of any back in the 3-cone drill and short shuttle and finished with 26 reps on the bench press.

Playing for a smaller school like Georgia Southern, running back Jerick McKinnon needed a strong showing in the combine. He got that and then some. He ran a 4.41 in the 40, put up 32 reps on the bench and had a 40.5” vertical leap. Despite his 5’8” frame, McKinnon has definitely guaranteed himself a spot on an NFL roster.

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